There are 32 school districts in New York City, 6 in Manhattan and 12 in Brooklyn. Over 60 independent schools offer tuition based programs, along with even more options in private preschools and parochial schools. The majority of public schools offer K-5 in elementary settings, 6-8 as middle schools and 9-12 under the auspices of the city high school division. Some public elementary schools offer a pre-kindergarten for 4 year olds, often for half day sessions.
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The Parents' Guide to New York City's Best Public Elementary
Schools
Clara Hemphill, 1997, Updated 2002,Soho
Press. Gives short summaries of basic and descriptive data about successful
schools in NYC public school districts before the reorganization.
Public Education
Association
39 W. 32nd St., NYC 10001, 212-868-1640.
This century-old nonprofit organization has long been working to identify
good schools, and to encourage an interchange. Joined with the Center for
Educational Innovation in February of 2000, they post informative articles
and technical assistance on their website.
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The Parents
League of New York
115 E. 82nd Street, NYC 10028,
212-737-7385. "...a non-profit organization of parents and independent
schools providing current information on education, entertainment and enrichment
opportunities for families in New York City." School year hours: Mon.,
Weds.,Thurs. 9-4; Tues. 9-6 and Fri. 9-12. Annual dues for 2003-2004 $90.
Publishes the New York Independent Schools Directory, in conjunction
with The Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York
(ISSAAGNY), available by mail or directly from their office. Offer links
to several of their member schools through their website.
Early Steps
540 East 76th Street, NYC 10021 212-288-9684
A counseling and placement service for families with Black, Latino, Asian
or Native American 4-5 year olds who seek financial and organizational help
applying to private schools.
The Cooke
Center for Learning & Development
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 730, NYC
10115 212-280-4473. An advocacy and assessment group, founded by parent
activists, that helps families find appropriately challenging learning environments
for children with a wide range of special needs. Emphasis on inclusion programs
and early intervention.
The Manhattan Family Guide to Private Schools
Catherine Hausman & Victoria Goldman, 1994, revised 2001, Soho
Press, $27. Offers answers to personalized questionnaires delving into the
identities of many NYC independent schools. Not objective but more information
than any gossip you'll hear.
The Parents' Guide to Alternatives in Education
Ronald E. Koetzsch, Ph.D., 1997, Shambhala Pubs., Horticultural
Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, sells for $17. Gives clear
descriptions of 22 diverse approaches to education with examples and reference
addresses.
Directory of Historically Black Independent Schools
available from The Toussaint Institute Fund, Inc., 20 Exchange
Place, 41st Floor, NYC 10005-3201, 212-422-5338. This organization provides
scholarships to young, black male children, from low income families, who
are experiencing repeated failure in the public schools. They also produce
a directory for $14.95 plus $1.50 for postage and handling. A majority of
the schools listed are religiously affiliated.
Educational Records
Bureau (ERB)
22 East 42nd Street, Suite 100, NYC
10017 212-672-9800 This is the organization set up by the independent schools
to administer testing for admissions. They offer tests on-site and in various
other settings worldwide.
Prep for Prep
328 W. 71st Street, NYC 10023 212-579-1390 This program places
gifted Black, Hispanic and Asian children from public 5th and 6th grades
into their extensive preparation program for entry into 7th grade in the
city's independent schools. They require the family to commit time and energy
in the 14 months prior to placement, and they provide significant tuition
assistance.
Big Apple Parent kid calendars, articles, monthly
newspaper for New York City.
New York Family Magazine New York City parenting magazine.
NY State Department of Education offers statstics, school descriptions, calendars and more
NYSAIS New York State Association of Independent Schools, Home page for NYSAIS with addresses of NY independent schools and names of important staff members.
Public Education Association 100 year old nonprofit association promoting good public schools.
The Cooke Center for Learning and Development 475 Riverside Drive, NYC, 212-280-4473. An advocacy and assessment group geared toward special needs.
The Parents League of New York 115 E. 82nd Street, NYC 10028, 212-737-7385. A non-profit organization of parents and independent schools providing current information on education, entertainment and enrichment opportunities for families in New York City.
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© Sarah D. Meredith, 2001 Schools & You. All rights reserved.
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